Flach Film claims that, in allowing Google Video users to stream or download its documentary, the search giant is not acting as a host but as a publisher. The film’s producer, Jean-Francois Lepetit, says that the film has had 43,000 views so far, taking away profits that would have been made via the company’s video on demand deal with Editions Montparnasse.
Google removed the film from Google Video, and released a statement which confirmed its stance against uploading videos illegally.
This isn’t a war against the internet. I’m a big fan of Google and I use it all the time, Mr LePetit told Daily Variety. But it isn’t possible to develop legal services on the Internet as long as this kind of parasitic activity continues to exist. Google must assume its responsibilities.
